the sum of two numbers is 59. the larger number is 23 more than the smaller number. what are the numbers?

First, let's call the two numbers we are looking for:

Now, we can write:

(Equation 1) n+m=59

(Equation 2) n=m+23

first substitute n since it is (m+23)

(m+23) + m=59

m+23+m=59

2m+23=59

now subtract 23 from both sides since we want it to be zero in the left side

2m+23-23=59-23

2m=36

m=36/2=18

the smaller number is 18

now we can substitute 18 in the second equation

n=18+23=41

the bigger number is 41 and the smaller number is 18

18, 41

Step-by-step explanation:

simultaneous equation

x + y = 59

x - y = 23

subtract both equations

2y = 36

y = 18

x = 41